Systems and methods for illumination, monitoring, or coordinating illumination or monitoring across an area

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a first at least one illumination apparatus releasably connected to a first at least one of a plurality of connection regions of a first support body. The method involves controlling at least one characteristic of light emitted from the first at least one illumination apparatus in response to at least one measurement from a sensor apparatus. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Canadian patentapplication nos. 3,004,005 and 3,004,011, both filed on May 2, 2018, theentire contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods forillumination, monitoring, coordinating illumination across an area,coordinating monitoring across an area, or a combination of two or morethereof.

RELATED ART

Illumination systems may, for example, facilitate or control plantgrowth. However, different phases and different types of plant growthmay be facilitated by different types of light, and some illuminationsystems are not configurable to produce light that can vary by differentphases or different types of plant growth, for example. Further, someillumination systems are not also capable of operating as sensors.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling afirst at least one illumination apparatus releasably connected to afirst at least one of a plurality of connection regions of a firstsupport body, the method comprising controlling at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from the first at least one illuminationapparatus in response to at least one measurement from a sensorapparatus.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one characteristiccomprises controlling at least one frequency spectrum of light emittedby the first at least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one characteristiccomprises controlling an intensity of light emitted by the first atleast one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is releasably connected to asecond one of the plurality of connection regions of the first supportbody.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is releasably connected to oneof a plurality of connection regions of a second support body spacedapart from the first support body.

In some embodiments, a first at least one interchangeable modulecomprises the first at least one illumination apparatus and a second atleast one interchangeable module comprises the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, a single interchangeable module comprises the firstat least one illumination apparatus and the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one characteristic of thefirst at least one illumination apparatus comprises controlling the atleast one characteristic of a single illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light emitted from the single illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light emitted from a second at least one illuminationapparatus different from the single illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one characteristic of thefirst at least one illumination apparatus comprises controlling the atleast one characteristic of a first plurality of illuminationapparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light emitted from at least one of the first plurality ofillumination apparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light emitted from a second at least one illuminationapparatus different from the first plurality of illuminationapparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light.

In some embodiments, the measurement of light comprises a measurement oflight emitted from a second plurality of illumination apparatuses.

In some embodiments, the measurement of light comprises: a measurementof a first frequency spectrum of light emitted from a first one of thesecond plurality of illumination apparatuses; and a measurement of asecond frequency spectrum of light different from the first frequencyspectrum of light and emitted from a second one of the second pluralityof illumination apparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of temperature.

In some embodiments, the measurement of temperature comprises ameasurement of temperature internal to the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the measurement of temperature comprises ameasurement of temperature external to the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first at least one illumination apparatus isconfigured to configure at least one parameter of the first at least oneillumination apparatus automatically in response to releasableconnection of the first at least one illumination apparatus to aconnection region of a support body.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises at least one frequency spectrum oflight emitted from the first at least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises intensity of light emitted from thefirst at least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises automaticallytransmitting information associated with the first at least oneillumination apparatus in response to releasable connection of the firstat least one illumination apparatus to a connection region of a supportbody.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises information identifying the firstat least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises information identifying at leastone function of the first at least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises automaticallyassociating the first at least one illumination apparatus with alocation of a connection region of a support body in response toreleasable connection of the first at least one illumination apparatusto the connection region of the support body.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to configure atleast one parameter of the sensor apparatus automatically in response toreleasable connection of the sensor apparatus to a connection region ofa support body.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises automaticallytransmitting information associated with the sensor apparatus inresponse to releasable connection of the sensor apparatus to aconnection region of a support body.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the sensorapparatus comprises information identifying the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the sensorapparatus comprises information identifying at least one function of thesensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises automaticallyassociating the sensor apparatus with a location of a connection regionof a support body in response to releasable connection of the sensorapparatus to the connection region of the support body.

In some embodiments, each of the first at least one illuminationapparatus comprises respective solid-state lighting.

In some embodiments, each of the first at least one illuminationapparatus comprises a respective at least one LED.

In some embodiments, at least some of the light emitted from the firstat least one illumination apparatus is directed to at least one plant.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a method ofestimating a respective location of at least one of a plurality ofinterchangeable modules releasably connected to respective differentconnection regions of at least one support body, the method comprising:causing a first one of the plurality of interchangeable modules totransmit at least one optical signal; causing a second one of theplurality of interchangeable modules, spaced apart from the first one ofthe plurality of interchangeable modules, to measure the at least oneoptical signal; and causing at least one processor to estimate arespective location of one or both of the first and second ones of theplurality of interchangeable modules at least in response to the atleast one optical signal and in response to measurement of the at leastone optical signal at the second one of the plurality of interchangeablemodules.

In some embodiments, the first and second ones of the plurality ofinterchangeable modules are releasably connected to a same support body.

In some embodiments, the first and second ones of the plurality ofinterchangeable modules are releasably connected to separate supportbodies spaced apart from each other.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a module systemcomprising: at least one support body, each of the at least one supportbody comprising a plurality of connection regions; an illuminationapparatus configured to emit light and configured to be connectedreleasably to the support body in at least one of the plurality ofconnection regions; and a sensor apparatus comprising at least onesensor; wherein the system is configured to control at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from the illumination apparatus inresponse to at least one measurement from the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to be connectedreleasably to the at least one support body in at least one of theplurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, the at least one characteristic comprises at leastone frequency spectrum of light emitted by the illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one characteristic comprises anintensity of light emitted by the first at least one illuminationapparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one support body comprises a pluralityof support bodies.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus is configured to beconnected releasably to any one of the at least one support body in anyone of the plurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to be connectedreleasably to any one of the at least one support body in any one of theplurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, a first at least one interchangeable modulecomprises the first at least one illumination apparatus and a second atleast one interchangeable module comprises the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, a single interchangeable module comprises the firstat least one illumination apparatus and the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to control at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from a single illumination apparatus inresponse to the at least one measurement from the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to control at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from a plurality of illuminationapparatuses in response to the at least one measurement from the sensorapparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to control at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from the illumination apparatus inresponse to at least one measurement from only the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to control at least onecharacteristic of light emitted from the illumination apparatus inresponse to at least one measurement from a plurality of sensorapparatuses comprising the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of light.

In some embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises ameasurement of temperature.

In some embodiments, the measurement of temperature comprises ameasurement of temperature internal to the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the measurement of temperature comprises ameasurement of temperature external to the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus is configured toconfigure at least one parameter of the illumination apparatusautomatically in response to releasable connection of the first at leastone illumination apparatus to one of the plurality of connectionregions.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the apparatuscomprises at least one frequency spectrum of light emitted from theillumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of illuminationapparatus comprises intensity of light emitted from the illuminationapparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to transmit informationassociated with the first at least one illumination apparatusautomatically in response to releasable connection of the first at leastone illumination apparatus to a connection region of a support body.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises information identifying the firstat least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the first at leastone illumination apparatus comprises information identifying at leastone function of the first at least one illumination apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to associate the first atleast one illumination apparatus with a location of a connection regionof a support body automatically in response to releasable connection ofthe first at least one illumination apparatus to the connection regionof the support body.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to configure atleast one parameter of the sensor apparatus automatically in response toreleasable connection of the sensor apparatus to one of the plurality ofconnection regions.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to transmit informationassociated with the sensor apparatus automatically in response toreleasable connection of the sensor apparatus to a connection region ofa support body.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the sensorapparatus comprises information identifying the sensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the information associated with the sensorapparatus comprises information identifying at least one function of thesensor apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to associate the sensorapparatus with a location of a connection region of a support bodyautomatically in response to releasable connection of the sensorapparatus to the connection region of the support body.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus comprises solid-statelighting.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus comprises at least onelight-emitting diode (“LED”).

According to another embodiment, there is provided a system comprising:at least one support body comprising a respective plurality ofconnection regions; a first interchangeable module configured to beconnected releasably to at least one of the plurality of connectionregions; and a second interchangeable module configured to be connectedreleasably to at least one of the plurality of connection regions. Thesystem further comprises at least one processor configured to, at least:cause the first interchangeable module to transmit at least one opticalsignal when the first interchangeable module is connected releasably toa first one of the connection regions; cause the second interchangeablemodule to measure the at least one optical signal when the secondinterchangeable module is connected releasably to a second one of theconnection regions spaced apart from the first one of the connectionregions; and estimate a respective location of one or both of the firstand second interchangeable modules at least in response to the at leastone optical signal and in response to measurement of the at least oneoptical signal at the second interchangeable module.

According to another embodiment, there is provided use of the system forgrowing at least one plant.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a module systemcomprising: a support body comprising a plurality of connection regions;and a plurality of illumination apparatuses; wherein a first one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses is configured to emit lightaccording to a first at least one characteristic and is configured to beconnected releasably to the support body in at least one of theplurality of connection regions; and wherein a second one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses is configured to emit lightaccording to a second at least one characteristic different from thefirst at least one characteristic and is configured to be connectedreleasably to the support body in at least one of the plurality ofconnection regions.

In some embodiments, the first one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to be connected releasably to the support bodyin any one of the plurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, the second one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to be connected releasably to the support bodyin any one of the plurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of illumination apparatusesis configured to be connected releasably to the support body in any oneof the plurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of illumination apparatusescomprises respective solid-state lighting.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of illumination apparatusescomprises a respective at least one LED.

In some embodiments, the first one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to emit light of a first at least onefrequency spectrum, and the second one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to emit light of a second at least onefrequency spectrum different from the first at least one frequencyspectrum.

In some embodiments, the first one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to emit light at a first intensity, and thesecond one of the plurality of illumination apparatuses is configured toemit light at a second intensity different from the first intensity.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses is configured to configure at least one parameter of the atleast one of the plurality of illumination apparatuses automatically inresponse to releasable connection of the at least one of the pluralityof illumination apparatuses to the support body in at least one of theplurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the at least one ofthe plurality of illumination apparatuses comprises at least onefrequency spectrum of light emitted from the at least one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the at least one ofthe plurality of illumination apparatuses comprises intensity of lightemitted from the at least one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a sensor apparatuscomprising at least one sensor and configured to be connected releasablyto the support body in at least one of the plurality of connectionregions.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a module systemcomprising: a support body comprising a plurality of connection regions;an illumination apparatus configured to emit light and configured to beconnected releasably to the support body in at least one of theplurality of connection regions; and a sensor apparatus comprising atleast one sensor and configured to be connected releasably to thesupport body in at least one of the plurality of connection regions.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus is configured to beconnected releasably to the support body in any one of the plurality ofconnection regions.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus comprises solid-statelighting.

In some embodiments, the solid-state lighting comprises at least oneLED.

In some embodiments, the illumination apparatus is configured toconfigure at least one parameter of the illumination apparatusautomatically in response to releasable connection of the illuminationapparatus to the support body in the at least one of the plurality ofconnection regions.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the at least one ofthe plurality of illumination apparatuses comprises at least onefrequency spectrum of light emitted from the at least one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses.

In some embodiments, the at least one parameter of the at least one ofthe plurality of illumination apparatuses comprises intensity of lightemitted from the at least one of the plurality of illuminationapparatuses.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to be connectedreleasably to the support body in any one of the plurality of connectionregions.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises a light sensorconfigured to sense light.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises at least one plantgrowth sensor configured to sense plant growth.

In some embodiments, the at least one plant growth sensor comprises aplant height sensor.

In some embodiments, the at least one plant growth sensor comprises areflectance sensor.

In some embodiments, the at least one plant growth sensor comprises afluorescence sensor.

In some embodiments, the at least one plant growth sensor comprises acamera.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises an opticalreflectance sensor configured to sense optical reflectance.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises a humidity sensorconfigured to sense humidity.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises a temperature sensorconfigured to sense temperature.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to sense leaftemperature.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to senseambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus comprises a carbon dioxideconcentration sensor configured to sense carbon dioxide concentration.

In some embodiments, the sensor apparatus is configured to configure atleast one parameter of the sensor apparatus automatically in response toreleasable connection of the sensor apparatus to the support body in atleast one of the plurality of connection regions.

According to another embodiment, there is provided use of the system forgrowing at least one plant.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of varyingat least one characteristic of light emitted from a module systemcomprising a support body comprising a plurality of connection regionsand comprising a first illumination apparatus configured to emit lightaccording to a first at least one characteristic and releasablyconnected to a first one of the plurality of connection regions, themethod comprising releasably connecting a second illumination apparatusto a second one of the plurality of connection regions, wherein thesecond illumination apparatus is configured to emit light according to asecond at least one characteristic different from the first at least onecharacteristic.

In some embodiments, the first illumination apparatus comprisessolid-state lighting.

In some embodiments, the first illumination apparatus comprises a firstat least one LED.

In some embodiments, the second illumination apparatus comprises asecond at least one LED.

In some embodiments, at least some of the light emitted from the modulesystem is directed to at least one plant.

In some embodiments, the first illumination apparatus is configured toemit light at a first at least one frequency, and the second one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses is configured to emit light at asecond at least one frequency different from the first at least onefrequency.

In some embodiments, the first illumination apparatus is configured toemit light at a first intensity, and the second illumination apparatusis configured to emit light at a second intensity different from thefirst intensity.

Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarilyskilled in the art upon review of the following description ofillustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a module system according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a module system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 1,of an interchangeable module releasably connected to a connection regionof the support body of FIG. 1, using a “quick connect” connectionaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view from a left-hand side of theinterchangeable module and the support body of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view from a right-hand side of theinterchangeable module and the support body of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a frequency spectrum of an illumination apparatusaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a frequency spectrum of an illumination apparatusaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates three different frequency spectra of an illuminationapparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an illumination apparatus according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 27 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 28 illustrates a module system according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a module system according to one embodiment isshown generally at 100 and includes a support body 102. In general, amodule system described herein may also be referred to as anillumination system or as a fixture system, and a support body describedherein may also act as and be referred to as a fixture housing, althoughthe support body may also only act as a support and be separate from afixture housing.

Support Bodies

In the embodiment shown, the support body 102 may be supported from aceiling by support cables, but support bodies in other embodiments maybe suspended or otherwise supported in other ways, and may be suspendedfrom or supported by other structures. For example, support bodies inother embodiments may supported on a bottom side of a shelf and exposedto a shelf below.

Support bodies such as those described herein may be constructed with adegree of protection against ingress of particles or liquids, and mayfor example be enclosed and resistant to liquid ingress to a certainstandard, such as an ingress protection (“IP”) standard such as IP65 orIP67. Additionally or alternatively, internal components of supportbodies such as those described herein may be constructed with a degreeof protection against ingress of particles or liquids, and may forexample be enclosed and resistant to liquid ingress to a certainstandard, such as an IP standard such as IP65 or IP67.

Further, support bodies such as those described herein may include oneor more components for power conversion, regulation, control, oradjustment (such as a power supply, for example) and power distribution(such as a wiring harness, for example) for one or more interchangeablemodules such as those described herein. In some embodiments, forexample, electrical power input may range from about 90 volts (“V”) ofalternating current (“AC”) to about 600 V AC, and electrical poweroutput may range from about 10 watts (“W”) of direct current (“DC”) toabout 10,000 W DC. Additionally or alternatively, support bodies such asthose described herein may include one or more components for networkcommunication management and distribution, such as a network switch or anetwork router as described below, for example.

Further, in general, support bodies such as those described herein maybe used to enclose or otherwise protect cables for transmission of poweror for communication, for example.

Connection Regions of Support Bodies

The support body 102 defines nine connection regions such as, forexample, connection regions shown generally at 112, 114, and 116 inFIG. 1. However, alternative embodiments may define more or fewerconnection regions. In general, some of all of the connection regions ofa support body may be configured to connect releasably to one or moreinterchangeable modules such as those described herein, for example. Ingeneral, an interchangeable module described herein may also be referredto as an active subsystem, and one or more interchangeable modulesreleasably connected to a support body may be referred to as one or moredistinct subsystems of a module system. Such subsystems may vary in manydifferent ways as described herein, for example. Further, in general,support bodies such as those described herein may act as means ofhanging or mounting one or more interchangeable modules such as thosedescribed herein.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the nine connection regions of thesupport body 102 is releasably connected to one respectiveinterchangeable module and, for example, the connection region 112 isreleasably connected to an interchangeable module 118, the connectionregion 114 is releasably connected to an interchangeable module 120, andthe connection region 116 is releasably connected to an interchangeablemodule 122.

Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the support body 102 is elongate andhas a length in a longitudinal direction 124 relative to the supportbody 102, and the interchangeable modules are also elongate andreleasably connected to respective connecting regions of the supportbody 102 such that lengths of the interchangeable modules extendgenerally horizontally, generally in a transverse direction 126 relativeto the support body 102, and generally perpendicular to the direction124. However, alternative embodiments may vary, such as alternativeembodiments described below, for example.

Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the interchangeable modules arereleasably connected to respective connecting regions of the supportbody 102 generally at longitudinal centers of the interchangeablemodules such that portions of the interchangeable modules that extendgenerally transversely to the support body 102 on opposite sides of thesupport body 102 are generally equal in length. For example, a portion128 of the interchangeable module 122 extending generally transverselyto the support body 102 on one side of the support body 102 has a lengththat is generally equal to a length of a portion 130 of theinterchangeable module 122 extending generally transversely to thesupport body 102 on an opposite side of the support body 102. Ingeneral, the interchangeable modules in the embodiment of FIG. 1 may bedescribed as in-plane regularly distributed interchangeable modules, butalternative embodiments may vary and may have different geometricconfigurations such as different geometric configurations describedbelow, for example.

Referring to FIG. 2, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), but in the embodiment of FIG. 2, only five of thenine connection regions are releasably connected to respectiveinterchangeable modules (which may be similar to the interchangeablemodules of FIG. 1). Further, the five interchangeable modules of FIG. 2are spaced apart from each other in an uneven but symmetric way that maybe suitable for one or more particular applications. In general, theinterchangeable modules in the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be described asin-plane symmetrically distributed interchangeable modules, butalternative embodiments may vary and may have different geometricconfigurations.

Referring to FIG. 3, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), but again in the embodiment of FIG. 3, only five ofthe nine connection regions are releasably connected to respectiveinterchangeable modules (which may be similar to the interchangeablemodules of FIG. 1). However, the five interchangeable modules of FIG. 3are spaced apart from each other in an even and symmetric way that maybe suitable for one or more particular applications. In general, theinterchangeable modules in the embodiment of FIG. 3 may be described asin-plane symmetrically distributed interchangeable modules, butalternative embodiments may vary and may have different geometricconfigurations.

Referring to FIG. 4, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), but in the embodiment of FIG. 4, only six of the nineconnection regions are releasably connected to respectiveinterchangeable modules (which may be similar to the interchangeablemodules of FIG. 1). The six interchangeable modules of FIG. 4 are spacedapart from each other in a clustered and symmetric way that may besuitable for one or more particular applications. In general, theinterchangeable modules in the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be described asin-plane clustered and symmetrically distributed interchangeablemodules, but alternative embodiments may vary and may have differentgeometric configurations. Further, in general, in embodiments such asthose described herein, interchangeable modules may be clustered, maynot be clustered, or may be a combination of both clustered andnon-clustered.

Referring to FIG. 5, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), but in the embodiment of FIG. 5, only five of thenine connection regions are releasably connected to respectiveinterchangeable modules (which may be similar to the interchangeablemodules of FIG. 1). Further, the five interchangeable modules of FIG. 5are spaced apart from each other in an uneven but asymmetric way thatdiffers from the spacing of FIG. 2 and that may be suitable for one ormore particular applications that may be different from the one or moreparticular applications of FIG. 2. In general, the interchangeablemodules in the embodiment of FIG. 5 may be described as in-planeasymmetrically distributed interchangeable modules, but alternativeembodiments may vary and may have different geometric configurations. Ingeneral, in embodiments such as those described herein, interchangeablemodules may be symmetrically distributed or asymmetrically distributed.

Referring to FIG. 6, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), and in the embodiment of FIG. 6, three connectionregions are releasably connected to respective interchangeable modules(which may be similar to the interchangeable modules of FIG. 1).Further, the three interchangeable modules of FIG. 6 have differentlengths. In general, in embodiments such as those described herein,interchangeable modules may have the same or different lengths.

Referring to FIG. 7, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), and in the embodiment of FIG. 7, three connectionregions are releasably connected to respective interchangeable modules(which may be similar to the interchangeable modules of FIG. 1).Further, two of the interchangeable modules of FIG. 7 are parallel toeach other, whereas the third of the interchangeable modules of FIG. 7is non-parallel (or oblique) to the other two.

In general, in embodiments such as those described herein,interchangeable modules may be parallel to each other, non-parallel (oroblique) to each other, or a combination of parallel to each other andnon-parallel (or oblique) to each other (as shown in FIG. 7, forexample). Further, in general, in embodiments such as those describedherein, interchangeable modules may extend perpendicular to alongitudinal direction relative to a support body, non-perpendicular (oroblique) to the longitudinal direction relative to the support body, orin a combination of perpendicular and non-perpendicular (or oblique) tothe longitudinal direction relative to the support body (as shown inFIG. 7, for example).

Referring to FIG. 8, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), and in the embodiment of FIG. 8, seven connectionregions are releasably connected to respective interchangeable modules(which may be similar to the interchangeable modules of FIG. 1).However, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, some of the interchangeablemodules are not centered transversely relative to the support body andtherefore extend transversely relative to the support body by differentlengths on opposite sides of the support body. In general, inembodiments such as those described herein, interchangeable modules maybe centered transversely relative to a support body, not centeredtransversely relative to the support body, or a combination of centeredand not centered transversely relative to the support body.

In the embodiments of FIG. 2 to FIG. 8, the interchangeable modules maybe connected to the support body as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in thatthe interchangeable modules of FIG. 2 and of FIG. 5 extend generallyhorizontally, generally in a transverse direction relative to alongitudinal direction relative to the support body, and generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Again, however, alternativeembodiments may vary, such as alternative embodiments described below,for example.

Referring to FIG. 9, a module system according to another embodiment isshown generally at 138 and includes a support body 140 that may besimilar to the support body 102 (shown in FIG. 1). The support body 140also includes nine connection regions that may be similar to theconnection regions of the support body 102, but again alternativeembodiments may define more or fewer connection regions. However, in theembodiment of FIG. 9, five interchangeable modules (including theinterchangeable module 144, for example) are connected to respectiveconnection regions of the such that, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1,those five interchangeable modules extend generally horizontally,generally in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction142 relative to the support body 140, and generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction 142.

However, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, four interchangeable modules(including the interchangeable module 146, for example) are releasablyconnected to respective connection regions of the such that those fourinterchangeable modules extend generally vertically and generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction 142. Further, those fourinterchangeable modules are releasably connected to respectiveconnection regions at respective ends of the interchangeable modulessuch that generally an entire length of the interchangeable modulesextends away from the support body 140.

In general, the interchangeable modules in the embodiment of FIG. 9 maybe described as combined in-plane and out-of-plane interchangeablemodules, but alternative embodiments may vary and may have differentgeometric configurations. In general, in embodiments such as thosedescribed herein, interchangeable modules may be coplanar, may not becoplanar, or may be a combination of both coplanar and non-coplanar (asshown in FIG. 9, for example).

Referring to FIG. 10, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), and in the embodiment of FIG. 10, all of theconnection regions are releasably connected to respectiveinterchangeable modules (which may be similar to the interchangeablemodules of FIG. 1). However, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, all of theinterchangeable modules extend generally vertically and generallyperpendicular to a longitudinal direction relative to the support body.

Referring to FIG. 11, a module system according to another embodimentincludes a support body that may be similar to the support body 102(shown in FIG. 1), and in the embodiment of FIG. 11, some connectionregions are releasably connected to respective interchangeable modules(which may be similar to the interchangeable modules of FIG. 1).However, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, some of the interchangeablemodules extend generally horizontally, some of the interchangeablemodules extend generally vertically, and some of the interchangeablemodules extend neither generally horizontally nor generally vertically,but rather extend obliquely to horizontal and vertical planes.

In general, in embodiments such as those described herein,interchangeable modules may extend generally horizontally, generallyvertically, neither generally horizontally nor generally vertically (or,in other words, oblique to one or both of horizontal and verticalplanes), or in a combination of two or more thereof (as shown in FIG.11, for example).

In embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, references to horizontal andvertical are references to the orientations shown in the drawings, andalternative embodiments may vary, for example by supporting supportbodies in other orientations or releasably connecting interchangeablemodules to a support body in other orientations or positions relative tothe support body. For example, if the support body 140 is in anorientation other than the orientation shown in FIG. 9, then theinterchangeable module 146 may be cantilevered by the support body 140.As a result, the interchangeable module 146 may generally be referred toas depending from, or cantilevered by, the support body 140.

The embodiments shown include a fixed number of connection regions.However, alternative embodiments may include a continuous connection,such as rail or a guide, for example. In such embodiments, one or moreinterchangeable modules may be mounted and slid to a large or infinitenumber of connection regions.

Other Components of Support Bodies

Support bodies such as those described herein may include one or morecomponents for providing power to any interchangeable modules that arereleasably connected to the support bodies. For example, connectionregions of support bodies such as those described herein may include oneor more power transmission interfaces positioned so that one or morepower transmission interfaces on the support bodies may connect with oneor more complementary power transmission interface on an interchangeablemodule in response to releasably connecting the interchangeable moduleto the connection region of the support body.

Further, support bodies such as those described herein may include oneor more components for providing communication between the supportbodies and any interchangeable modules that are releasably connected tothe support bodies. For example, connection regions of support bodiessuch as those described herein may include communication interfaces(such as category 6 Ethernet™ interfaces, for example) configured totransmit, to receive, or to transmit and receive one or morecommunication signals for communication, and positioned so that one ormore communication interfaces on the support bodies may connect with oneor more complementary communication interface on an interchangeablemodule in response to releasably connecting the interchangeable moduleto the connection region of the support body. Alternative embodimentsmay include components for wireless communication, or other alternativesto category 6 Ethernet™ interfaces.

Further, support bodies such as those described herein may include oneor more components for network connection, for example for communicationbetween a central control and any interchangeable modules that arereleasably connected to the support bodies, as described below forexample. Support bodies such as those described herein may also includeone or more components for facilitating communication between such acentral control and other support bodies, for example by providing fordaisy-chain communication between such a central control and a pluralityof support bodies. Such network communication components may facilitatewired or wireless communication, for example.

Interchangeable Modules

In general, an interchangeable module as described herein may be anillumination apparatus, may be a sensor apparatus, or may be both anillumination apparatus and a sensor apparatus, and may include one ormore other components. Herein, reference to an illumination apparatusmay include reference to an interchangeable module that is both anillumination apparatus and a sensor apparatus or more generally that mayinclude functionality in addition to functionality as an illuminationapparatus, and reference to a sensor apparatus may include reference toan interchangeable module that is both an illumination apparatus and asensor apparatus or more generally that may include functionality inaddition to functionality as a sensor apparatus. Accordingly, aninterchangeable module as described herein may be a module capable ofinteracting directly with one or more plants by providing input (such aslight emission, for example), by sensing, or by both. Also, in general,an illumination apparatus described herein may also be referred to as alight bar, and a sensor apparatus described herein may also be referredto as a sensor bar or sensing bar.

In general, interchangeable modules such as those described herein maybe constructed with a degree of protection against ingress of particlesor liquids, and may for example be enclosed and resistant to liquidingress to a certain standard, such as an IP standard such as IP65 orIP67. Further, interchangeable modules such as those described hereinmay be configured for heat dissipation, such as active heat dissipation,passive heat dissipation, or a combination thereof, for example.

Also, in general, an interchangeable module as described herein mayinclude one or more power transmission interfaces for receiving power,one or more communication interfaces configured to transmit, to receive,or to transmit and receive one or more signals for communication, or forboth one or more power transmission interfaces and one or morecommunication interfaces, for example. Further, such one or moreinterfaces on an interchangeable module may be positioned on theinterchangeable module so that the one or more interfaces on theinterchangeable module may connect with a respective one or morecomplementary interfaces in the connection region of a support body inresponse to releasably connecting the interchangeable module to theconnection region of the support body. In other words, by releasablyconnecting an interchangeable module to a connection region of a supportbody, the interchangeable module may simultaneously be connected to thesupport body for receiving power from the support body, forcommunication to or through the support body, or for both. Suchcommunication interfaces may facilitate wired or wireless communication,for example.

In some embodiments, an interchangeable module as described herein maybe releasably connectable to a connection region of a support body usinga “quick connect” connection that may connect and disconnect aninterchangeable module to a connection region of a support body bymovement of the interchangeable module relative to the support body, byoperation of a releasable latch, or otherwise in a manner that may notrequire additional tools or components.

For example, FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 illustrate a “quick connect” connectionaccording to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown, on a first side ofthe support body 102 shown generally at 184, the support body 102includes an electrical interface opening shown generally at 186 and afirst retainer opening shown generally at 188. Further, in theembodiment shown, on a second side of the support body 102 showngenerally at 190 and opposite the first side 184, the support body 102includes a second retainer opening shown generally at 192. The supportbody 102 also includes a first electrical interface 194 inside thesupport body 102 and facing the electrical interface opening 186.

The interchangeable module 118 includes a retainer projection 196 sizedto be received at least partially in the first retainer opening 188 asshown in FIG. 12. The interchangeable module 118 also includes a secondelectrical interface 198 that is complementary to the first electricalinterface 194 and that is positioned to be connectable to the firstelectrical interface 194 when the retainer projection 196 is received atleast partially in the first retainer opening 188, or that is positionedto be connected automatically to the first electrical interface 194 inresponse to positioning the retainer projection 196 at least partiallyin the first retainer opening 188. In other words, the first electricalinterface 194 and the second electrical interface 198 may be positionedto be connected automatically in response to connecting theinterchangeable module 118 to the support body 102. When firstelectrical interface 194 is connected to the second electrical interface198, the first electrical interface 194 and the second electricalinterface 198 may facilitate transfer of electrical power, transfer ofone or more communication signals, or both transfer of electrical powerand transfer of one or more communication signals between the supportbody 102 and the interchangeable module 118.

The interchangeable module 118 also includes a movable retainerprojection 200 that is movable longitudinally relative to the rest ofthe interchangeable module 118. A spring 202 resiliently urges themovable retainer projection 200 longitudinally in a direction towardsthe retainer projection 196, and the movable retainer projection 200 isresiliently movable longitudinally in a direction away from the retainerprojection 196, for example in response to force applied to an actuator204 coupled to the movable retainer projection 200.

When the retainer projection 196 is received at least partially in thefirst retainer opening 188, the interchangeable module 118 is pivotableor otherwise movable relative to the support body 102 to allow themovable retainer projection 200 to move towards and away from the secondretainer opening 192. Further, the movable retainer projection 200 issized to be received at least partially in the second retainer opening192 when the retainer projection 196 is received at least partially inthe first retainer opening 188 and when the movable retainer projection200 is in a retaining position as shown in FIG. 12. The spring 202 mayhold the movable retainer projection 200 in the retaining position byurging the movable retainer projection 200 longitudinally in thedirection towards the retainer projection 196. However, when the movableretainer projection 200 is moved longitudinally in the direction awayfrom the retainer projection 196, for example in response to forceapplied to the actuator 204, the movable retainer projection 200 is in areleasing position in which the movable retainer projection 200 isremoved from the second retainer opening 192 when the retainerprojection 196 is received at least partially in the first retaineropening 188.

When the movable retainer projection 200 is in the releasing position,the interchangeable module 118 may be positioned with the movableretainer projection 200 near the second retainer opening 192, and thenthe movable retainer projection 200 may be moved into the retainingposition (by resilient force from the spring 202, for example) toconnect the interchangeable module 118 to the support body 102. Further,when the movable retainer projection 200 is in the releasing position,the interchangeable module 118 may be released from the support body102. The retainer projection 196 and the movable retainer projection 200may therefore facilitate a “quick connect” releasable connection.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 is an example only, and alternativeembodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may includedifferent electrical connections, different retainers, or both differentelectrical connections and different retainers. In general, such a“quick connect” connection may include a latch, a pin, or anotherretaining body that is resiliently urged into a connected position by aspring or other resilient body, and that is movable out of such aconnected position by a button or other actuator.

Illumination Apparatuses

As indicated above, an interchangeable module as described herein may bean illumination apparatus including one or more light sources. Ingeneral, illumination apparatuses such as those described herein mayinclude one or more light sources, one or more light sources and one ormore drivers or controllers for the one or more light sources, or one ormore light sources, one or more drivers or controllers for the one ormore light sources, and one or more power sources, for example. In someembodiments, such a controller may include a control card.

Illumination apparatuses such as those described herein may include oneor more transparent or translucent bodies that may cover or enclose atleast one of the one or more light sources. Such transparent ortranslucent bodies may have different parameters, such as differenttransmissivity, one or more different coatings surfaces of thetransparent or translucent bodies, other parameters, or a combination oftwo or more thereof.

The one or more light sources of an illumination apparatus as describedherein may include one or more light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), one ormore other solid-state emitters, one or more other light sources, or acombination of two or more thereof. The one or more light sources of anillumination apparatus may be the same or different, and may producelight of a single frequency or in a frequency spectrum determined by theone or more light sources. Further, a single frequency or frequencyspectrum of light emitted by an illumination apparatus may be fixed ormay be variable, for example to vary the frequencies themselves or tovary relative intensities of frequencies in a frequency spectrum.Further, an overall intensity of light emitted by an illuminationapparatus may be fixed or may be variable. Such variation in frequencyor in intensity may be in response to one or more communication signalsreceived using communication interfaces such as those described above,for example.

Further, an illumination apparatus as described herein may include oneor more than one light-emitting region, and different light-emittingregions of an illumination apparatus may vary. For example, lightemitted from one light-emitting region may be in a single frequency orfrequency spectrum, and light emitted from another light-emitting regionmay be in the same single frequency or frequency spectrum or in adifferent single frequency or frequency spectrum. Further, light emittedfrom one light-emitting region may have a different intensity from lightemitted from another light-emitting region. Also, differentlight-emitting regions may be independently variable so that, forexample, a frequency or frequency spectrum of light emitted from onelight-emitting region may be varied independently from a frequency orfrequency spectrum of light emitted from another light-emitting region,and intensity of light emitted from one light-emitting region may bevaried independently from intensity of light emitted from anotherlight-emitting region. Again, such variation in frequency or inintensity of different light-emitting regions may be in response to oneor more communication signals received using communication interfacessuch as those described above, for example.

In illumination apparatuses that include more than one light-emittingregion, the light-emitting regions may direct light in differentdirections, in different regions, in different distributions over aregion, or in a combination of two or more thereof. Further, inillumination apparatuses that include more than one light-emittingregion, the light-emitting regions may be spatially distributedregularly or irregularly. In some embodiments, irregular spatialdistribution of light-emitting regions of an illumination apparatus mayenhance overall uniformity of light emitted from a plurality ofillumination apparatuses.

In general, a single frequency or a frequency spectrum of light emittedby part or all of an illumination apparatus may be identified for one ormore particular applications, such as for facilitating, optimizing, orimproving one or more particular phases (such as a vegetative phase or aflowering phase) or one or more particular types (such as differenttypes of crops) of plant growth, for example. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16illustrate different frequency spectra of different illuminationapparatuses according to different embodiments, although alternativeembodiments may differ. Further, FIG. 17 illustrates three differentfrequency spectra of one illumination apparatus according oneembodiment. In such an embodiment, the illumination apparatus may beconfigurable to emit light in any one of the three frequency spectra. Ingeneral, an illumination apparatus as described herein may be configuredto emit light from one frequency spectrum, or may be configurable toemit light from one of more than one available frequency spectrum.Further, in general, an intensity of light emitted by part or all of anillumination apparatus may be identified for one or more such particularapplications, and an illumination apparatus as described herein may beconfigured to emit light at one intensity, or may be configurable toemit light at one of more than one available intensity.

In some embodiments, for example, an illumination apparatus may emitlight in three wavelength bands at set locations, and such wavelengthbands may be about 450 nanometers (“nm”) or about 660 nm for example,and may have a colour temperature of about 5,700 K, for example.Further, in some embodiments, a maximum intensity or photon flux densityfrom an illumination apparatus on an incident plane may range from about100 μmol per square meter per second (“μmol/m²/s”) to about 1,500μmol/m²/s, may be smaller or larger than such a range, or may be about900 μmol/m²/s, for example. Further, in some embodiments, photon fluxfrom an illumination apparatus may range from about 100 μmol/s to about2,500 μmol/s, may be smaller or larger than such a range, may be as highas 10 kilowatts (“kW”) or as high as 20,000 μmol/s, for example. Ingeneral, one or more illumination apparatuses as described herein may beused to create a specific lighting environment for a specific crop, incombination with or compensating for other environmental conditions suchas temperature, humidity, atmospheric composition, thereby evoking aresponse from such a crop. Further, LEDs at different wavelengths maymimic sunlight in some embodiments.

Further, different illumination apparatuses may produce light indifferent frequency spectra, and different illumination apparatuses mayproduce light in different intensities. Therefore, adding, removing, orsubstituting one or more illumination apparatuses releasably connectedto a support body of a module system as described herein may change anoverall frequency spectrum of light emitted from the module system, maychange an overall intensity of light emitted from the module system, ormay change both an overall frequency spectrum and an overall intensityof light emitted from the module system. As a result, embodiments suchas those described herein may be configured to facilitate differentphases or different plant types.

An illumination apparatus according to one embodiment is illustratedschematically in FIG. 18 and includes an internal temperature sensorconfigured to sense an internal temperature of the sensor apparatus, anexternal temperature sensor configured to sense an external temperatureof the sensor apparatus, an optical output sensor configured to senselight emitted from the apparatus, an ambient optical sensor configuredto sense ambient light, one or more voltage sensors, one or more currentsensors, and a processor, all in communication with a network (forexample, a local network, the Internet, or both). The apparatus of FIG.18 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. Forexample, alternative embodiments may include fewer, different, or moresensors or other components.

In some embodiments, illumination apparatuses may be capable of one ormore additional functions, such as any combination of some or all of:

1. monitoring its internal operating temperature;

2. monitoring its external ambient temperature environment;

3. monitoring its current and voltage characteristics in general;

4. monitoring its current and voltage characteristics for eachwavelength it emits;

5. monitoring its current and voltage characteristics for each of setsof LEDs connected in a serial circuit;

6. monitoring its optical output in general;

7. monitoring its optical output for each wavelength it emits;

8. monitoring its optical output for each of sets of LEDs connected in aserial circuit;

9. reporting results of its monitoring to an operator;

10. reporting results of its monitoring to a network (for example, alocal network, the Internet, or both);

11. changing its operation in response to results of one or more of itsself-monitoring sensors;

12. receiving instructions on how to change its operation in response toresults of its self-monitoring (for example, receiving updatedparameters for efficient performance from a database, from a localnetwork, from the Internet, or from a combination of two or more of thepreceding);13. receiving updated firmware code (for example, from a local network,from the Internet, or from both);14. reporting its identity (such as a unique serial number, for example)to a network (for example, a local network, the Internet, or both);15. transmitting optical signals encoded with information (such as itsunique serial number, for example);16. detecting optical signals encoded with information from otherinterchangeable modules (illustrated schematically in FIG. 19, forexample);17. detecting spectroscopic signals from the ambient environment (forexample, an optical signal transmitted from the same illuminationapparatus, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 20, or from anotherillumination apparatus, which may be on the same or different supportbody, as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 19); and18. detecting spectroscopic intensity from the ambient environment (forexample, an optical signal transmitted from the same illuminationapparatus, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 20, or from anotherillumination apparatus, which may be on the same or different supportbody, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 19).

Sensor Apparatuses

As indicated above, an interchangeable module as described herein mayadditionally or alternatively be a sensor apparatus configured tomonitor plant growth, to monitor an environment of plant growth, orboth. For example, such a sensor may include a light sensor configuredto sense light, an optical reflectance sensor configured to senseoptical reflectance, a humidity configured to sense humidity (such asrelative humidity, for example), a temperature sensor configured tosense temperature (such as canopy temperature, leaf temperature, orambient temperature, for example), a carbon dioxide concentration sensorconfigured to sense carbon dioxide concentration, a plant growth sensorsconfigured to sense plant growth, or a combination of two or morethereof. Such a plant growth sensor may include, for example, a plantheight sensor, a reflectance sensor, a leaf temperature sensor, afluorescence sensor, or a camera. Such sensors may differ insensitivity, in optical field of view (in the case of optical sensors),in measurement location (in the case of sensors such as humiditysensors, temperature sensors, and carbon dioxide concentration sensors,for example), in one or more other parameters, or in a combination oftwo or more thereof.

Measurements from such sensor apparatuses may be transmitted in one ormore communication signals transmitted using communication interfacessuch as those described above, for example.

In some embodiments, sensor apparatuses may be capable of one or moreadditional functions, such as any combination of some or all of:

1. reporting results of its monitoring to an operator;

2. reporting results of its monitoring to a network (for example, alocal network, the Internet, or both);

3. receiving instructions on how to change its operation in response toresults of its self-monitoring (for example, receiving updatedparameters for efficient performance from a database, from a localnetwork, from the Internet, or from a combination of two or more of thepreceding);4. receiving updated firmware code (for example, from a local network,from the Internet, or from both);5. reporting its identity (such as a unique serial number, for example)to a network (for example, a local network, the Internet, or both);6. transmitting optical signals encoded with information (such as itsunique serial number, for example);7. detecting optical signals encoded with information from otherinterchangeable modules; and8. detecting spectroscopic intensity from the ambient environment (forexample, an optical signal transmitted from the same illuminationapparatus, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 20, or from anotherillumination apparatus, which may be on the same or different supportbody, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 19).

Module Systems

In general, an interchangeable module as described herein—whether anillumination apparatus, a sensor apparatus, both an illuminationapparatus and a sensor apparatus, or another interchangeable module—maybe releasably connectable to one, to more than one, or to all of theconnection regions of a support body as described herein, and may bereleasably connected in different ways (such as transversely as shown inFIG. 1 to FIG. 8, or depending or cantilevered as shown in FIG. 9, orotherwise) and with different spacing (as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 orotherwise).

Accordingly, in embodiments such as those described herein, a supportbody may act as a node, as a defining point for one or moreinterchangeable modules, and as a physical means for attachment for oneor more interchangeable modules. Further, support bodies such as thosedescribed herein may facilitate a wide range of positions andorientations of interchangeable modules relative to a support body,which may facilitate a wide range of positions and orientations ofillumination apparatuses, sensor apparatuses, or both.

In some embodiments, support bodies releasably connected to one or moreinterchangeable modules may be capable of one or more additionalfunctions, such as any combination of some or all of:

1. transmitting from one interchangeable module releasably connected tothe support body, with the transmission received by one or more otherinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support body;

2. adjusting one or more operating characteristics of one or moreinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support body inresponse to measurements or monitoring of one or more otherinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support body;3. adjusting one or more operating characteristics of one or moreinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support body inresponse to commands of a central computer; and4. adjusting one or more operating characteristics of one or moreinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support body inresponse to commands of a central computer after reporting internal orexternal measurements.

An example of such a function is illustrated in FIG. 21, a module systemaccording to one embodiment includes four illumination apparatuses 206,208, 210, and 212 releasably connected to a support body 214. In theembodiment shown, the illumination apparatus 206 emits at least oneoptical signal 1, which interacts with environment and is received bythe illumination apparatus 208 as at least one optical signal 2. Also,in the embodiment shown, the support body 214 processes information,makes a decision, and in response to the at least one optical signal 2,transmits at least one signal 3, and at least one operatingcharacteristic of the illumination apparatus 212 changes in responsewith at least one optical output 4.

In other words, when a support body is releasably connected to one ormore interchangeable modules, the support body may facilitatecommunication between the support body and the one or moreinterchangeable modules with or without communication outside of thesupport body and the one or more interchangeable modules.

Further, as indicated above, different illumination apparatuses mayproduce light in different frequency spectra, and different illuminationapparatuses may produce light in different intensities. Therefore,embodiments such as those described herein may facilitate not only awide range of positions and orientations of illumination apparatuses andsensor apparatuses, but also selectable illumination apparatuses toselect different frequency spectra, different intensities, or bothdifferent frequency spectra and different intensities for some or all ofthe illumination apparatuses in a module system and therefore indifferent regions of the module system.

Further, because interchangeable modules as described herein and may bereleasably connected in different ways (such as transversely as shown inFIG. 1 to FIG. 8, or depending or cantilevered as shown in FIG. 9, orotherwise) and with different spacing (as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 orotherwise), embodiments such as those described herein may facilitateselecting different frequency spectra, different intensities, or bothdifferent frequency spectra and different intensities for light emittedfrom different regions of a module system, light emitted in differentdirections from a module system, and regions or directions where sensorssuch as those described above may be positioned or oriented in order tosense properties such as those described above, for example.

Further, an interchangeable module as described herein may be configuredto identify a location automatically in response to releasableconnection to a connection region of a support body (for example inresponse to receiving one or more communication signals from acommunication interface as described above), and may be configured todetermine one or more parameters (such as determination of frequency,intensity, or both of light emitted from one or more light-emittingregions, or determination of sensitivity or one or more other parametersof a sensor, for example) automatically in response to such locationidentification. Further, an interchangeable module as described hereinmay be configured to self-index automatically in response to releasableconnection to a connection region of a support body, which mayfacilitate network communication with the interchangeable module orcentralized control of the interchangeable module. Therefore, aninterchangeable module as described herein may enable automaticconfiguration upon connection.

Further, in module systems such as those described herein, when aninterchangeable module is releasably connected to a connection region ofa support body, the system automatically identify, transmit, or identifyand transmit information associated with the interchangeable module. Forexample, information associated with an interchangeable module mayinclude information identifying the interchangeable module (such as aserial number or other identifier of the interchangeable module, forexample), may include information identifying at least one function ofthe first at least one interchangeable module (such as informationidentifying frequency spectra or intensities that the interchangeablemodule is configured to emit, or types of sensors that theinterchangeable module includes, for example), other information, or acombination of two or more thereof. Such information associated with theinterchangeable module may be transmitted to the support body that theinterchangeable module is releasably connected to, to one or more othersupport bodies, to a central computer, to another device, or to acombination of two or more thereof. Identifying or transmitting suchinformation associated with the interchangeable module may facilitatecoordinating illumination or monitoring across an area as describedherein, for example.

Further, in module systems such as those described herein,interchangeable modules may transmit one or more optical signals to oneor more other interchangeable modules, and such transmissions mayfacilitate identifying locations of interchangeable modules. Forexample, a first interchangeable module may transmit at least oneoptical signal, and a second interchangeable module spaced apart fromthe first interchangeable module may measure the at least one opticalsignal. Then, at least one processor may estimate a respective locationof one or both of the first and second interchangeable modules at leastin response to the at least one optical signal and in response tomeasurement of the at least one optical signal at the second one of theplurality of illumination apparatuses. For example, the at least oneoptical signal may be encoded with information or may include one ormore frequencies identifying the first interchangeable module, andmeasurement of the at least one optical signal may identify a locationof one or both of the first and second interchangeable modules. Thefirst and second interchangeable modules may be releasably connected tothe same or different support bodies.

In summary, an overall installation can be made up of one or more modulesystems such as those described herein, which may be supported orinstalled in a regular or irregular spatial arrangement in, for example,one or more greenhouses, one or more indoor agriculture facilities, oneor more vertical farms, one or more growth chambers, or one or moreresearch laboratories, or in a combination of two or more thereof. Thefunction of each module system, and of the overall installation, may bechanged relatively easily by changing some or all of the interchangeablemodules as described herein, for example.

In embodiments such as those described above, one or more support bodiesmay be positioned and oriented in many different ways, and one or moreinterchangeable modules may be releasably connected to the one or moresupport bodies to provide a useful illumination pattern. Further,intensity of light from one or more illumination apparatuses may alsoprovide a useful illumination pattern.

Such one or more module systems may be interconnected, for example to acentral point of control to enable centralized control of functionalityacross all of the module systems. For example, referring to FIG. 22, amodule system according to another embodiment is shown generally at 147and includes a central control system or hub 148 including a centralnetwork component 150 and a central power component 152. The modulesystem 147 also includes module systems (or fixture systems) 154, 156,and 158 that may be similar to the module system 100 (shown in FIG. 1)for example, and that may be distributed in, for example, one or moregreenhouses, one or more indoor agriculture facilities, one or morevertical farms, one or more growth chambers, or one or more researchlaboratories, or in a combination of two or more thereof.

The module systems 154, 156, and 158 may each include a support body andany number of interchangeable modules. The support bodies andinterchangeable modules may communicate with the central networkcomponent 150 and may receive power from the central power 152 asdescribed above, for example. Therefore, the central control system 148may control operation of some or all of any of the interchangeablemodules that are (or that include) illumination apparatuses. Further,the central control system 148 may receive sensor data from some or allof any of the interchangeable modules that are (or that include) sensorapparatuses. Further, the central control system 148 may controloperation of some or all of any of the interchangeable modules that are(or that include) illumination apparatuses at least partly in responseto feedback such as sensor data received from some or all of any of theinterchangeable modules that are (or that include) sensor apparatuses.

In some embodiments, a central control system as described above may beintegrated with a facility control system.

Referring to FIG. 23, a module system according to another embodiment isshown generally at 159 and includes a central control system or hub 160including a central network component 162 and a central power component164. The module system 159 also includes one or more module systems (orfixture systems) including a module system (or fixture system) 166 thatmay be similar to the module system 100 for example. Again, in general,such one or more module systems (or fixture systems) including themodule system (or fixture system) 166 may be distributed in, forexample, one or more greenhouses, one or more indoor agriculturefacilities, one or more growth chambers, or one or more researchlaboratories, or in a combination of two or more thereof.

The module system 166 includes a support body (or fixture housing) 168,which may be similar to the support body 102 (shown in FIG. 1), andwhich may include a network distribution component 170 and a powerregulation component 172. Any number of interchangeable modules (oractive subsystems) may be releasably connected to the support body 168,such as interchangeable modules 174, 176, and 178 in the embodimentshown. In general, the interchangeable modules may receive power fromthe support body 168, which may receive power from the central powercomponent 164. Likewise, in other support bodies of the module system166, interchangeable modules may be receive power from the support body168, which may receive power from the central power component 164.

Further, the support bodies and interchangeable modules may communicatewith the central network component 162. Therefore, the central controlsystem 160 may control operation of some or all of any of theinterchangeable modules that are (or that include) illuminationapparatuses. Further, the central control system 160 may receive sensordata from some or all of any of the interchangeable modules that are (orthat include) sensor apparatuses. Further, the central control system160 may control operation of some or all of any of the interchangeablemodules that are (or that include) illumination apparatuses at leastpartly in response to sensor data received from some or all of any ofthe interchangeable modules that are (or that include) sensorapparatuses.

Referring to FIG. 24, a module system according to another embodiment isshown generally at 180 and includes an initial configuration ofinterchangeable modules. In the embodiment shown, the interchangeablemodules are illumination apparatuses that emit light in a commonfrequency spectrum.

However, referring to FIG. 25, a module system according to anotherembodiment is shown generally at 182 and includes a modified or upgradedconfiguration of the interchangeable modules of FIG. 24 in which one ofthe interchangeable modules is one of the illumination apparatuses ofFIG. 24, another of the interchangeable modules is a combination of asensor apparatus and an illumination apparatus that emits light in thefrequency spectrum of FIG. 24, and another of the interchangeablemodules is an illumination apparatus that emits light in a frequencyspectrum different from the frequency spectrum of FIG. 24. Theembodiment of FIG. 25 is an example only, and in general, embodimentssuch as those described herein may be varied by interchanginginterchangeable modules.

In some embodiments, a module system including more than one supportbody, each releasably connected to one or more interchangeable modules,may be capable of one or more of various functions. For example, suchsupport bodies may communicate with each other using a local network,the Internet, or both. Further, in such embodiments, locations (eitherrelative or absolute) of the interchangeable modules may be identified,for example automatically in response to releasably connecting theinterchangeable modules to respective connecting regions of respectivesupport bodies. Further, such interchangeable modules may haverespective different identifiers (such as unique serial numbers, forexample) to facilitate such functions.

In general, such a module system may control output, settings, or one ormore operational characteristics, or a combination of two or morethereof, of one or more of the support bodies (or of one or moreinterchangeable modules releasably connected to the support bodies) inresponse to measurements or monitoring of one or more of other supportbodies (or of one or more interchangeable modules releasably connectedto the other support bodies).

For example, referring to FIG. 26, a module system according to oneembodiment includes three support bodies 216, 218, and 220. At least oneinterchangeable module is releasably connected to each of the supportbodies 216, 218, and 220. In the embodiment shown, at least oneinterchangeable module releasably connected to the support body 218emits at least one optical signal 1, which interacts with environmentand is received by an interchangeable module releasably connected to thesupport body 218 as optical signal 2. In response, the support body 218transmits at least one signal 3, and a central computer evaluatesinformation and makes a decision, which is relayed to the support bodies216 and 220. At least one interchangeable module releasably connected tothe support body 216, and at least one interchangeable module releasablyconnected to the support body 220, take action 4 in response to the atleast one signal 3, and based on the evaluation of the central computer,the action 4 by the support body 216 may be the same as or differentfrom the action 4 by the support body 220.

In other words, in embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 26, atleast one interchangeable module of one support body may emit at leastone optical signal, which may interact with ambient environment, andwhich may be received by at least one interchangeable module of the samesupport body as a modified at least one optical signal. In such anembodiment, a measurement of the modified at least one optical signalmay be transmitted to a central computer, which may transmit updatedinstructions to one or more support bodies to change operation of theone or more support bodies, of one or more interchangeable modulesreleasably connected to the one or more support bodies, or both. Suchchanges of operation may be the same, or may vary. For example,operation of one or more interchangeable modules may change in responseto respective locations of the one or more interchangeable modules, inresponse to respective capabilities of the one or more interchangeablemodules, or both.

As another example, referring to FIG. 27, a module system according toone embodiment includes three support bodies 222, 224, and 226. At leastone interchangeable module is releasably connected to each of thesupport bodies 222, 224, and 226. In the embodiment shown, at least oneinterchangeable module releasably connected to the support body 224emits at least one optical signal 1, which propagates to the environmentand interacts with a region in the environment. In response, at leastone optical signal 2 is received by at least one interchangeable modulereleasably connected to the support body 226. In response to the atleast one optical signal 2, at least one interchangeable modulereleasably connected to the support body 226 may change its operationwith at least one action 3, with or without communicating with a centralcomputer. Also, in response to the at least one optical signal 2, thesupport body 226 may transmit information about the at least one opticalsignal 2 to a central computer, which may communicate with one or moreother support bodies (such as the support body 222, the support body224, or both), which may change their operation with at least one action3.

In other words, in embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 27, atleast one interchangeable module of one support body may emit at leastone optical signal, which may interact with ambient environment, andwhich may be received by at least one interchangeable module of anothersupport body as a modified optical signal. In such an embodiment, ameasurement of the modified at least one optical signal may betransmitted to a central computer, which may transmit updatedinstructions to one or more support bodies to change operation of theone or more support bodies, of one or more interchangeable modulesreleasably connected to the one or more support bodies, or both. Suchchanges of operation may be the same, or may vary. For example,operation of one or more interchangeable modules may change in responseto respective locations of the one or more interchangeable modules, inresponse to respective capabilities of the one or more interchangeablemodules, or both.

As another example, referring to FIG. 28, a module system according toone embodiment includes three support bodies 228, 230, and 232. At leastone interchangeable module is releasably connected to each of thesupport bodies 228, 230, and 232. In the embodiment shown, at least oneinterchangeable module releasably connected to the support body 230emits at least one optical signal 1, which propagates to the environmentand interacts with one or more regions of the environment. In theembodiment of FIG. 28, the at least one optical signal 1 has interactedwith two regions, although alternative embodiments may differ, andoptical signals may interact with fewer or more regions of theenvironment. In response to the at least one optical signal 1, at leastone optical signal 2 is received by at least one interchangeable modulereleasably connected to the support body 232, and at least one opticalsignal 3 is received by at least one interchangeable module releasablyconnected to the support body 228. In response to the at least oneoptical signal 2, the support body 232 (or at least one interchangeablemodule releasably connected to the support body 232) may change itsoperation with at least one action 4, with or without communicating witha central computer. Also, in response to the at least one optical signal3, the support body 228 (or at least one interchangeable modulereleasably connected to the support body 228) may change its operationwith at least one action 5, with or without communicating with a centralcomputer. In some cases, the at least one optical signal 2, the at leastone optical signal 3, or both may be encoded with information that maybe used (by a central computer, for example) to determine the at leastone action 4, the at least one action 5, or both.

In other words, in embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 28, atleast one interchangeable module of one support body may emit at leastone optical signal, which may interact with ambient environment, andwhich may be received by at least one interchangeable module of one ormore different support bodies as a modified optical signal. In such anembodiment, a measurement of the modified at least one optical signalmay be transmitted to a central computer, which may transmit updatedinstructions to one or more support bodies to change operation of theone or more support bodies, of one or more interchangeable modulesreleasably connected to the one or more support bodies, or both. Suchchanges of operation may be the same, or may vary. For example,operation of one or more interchangeable modules may change in responseto respective locations of the one or more interchangeable modules, inresponse to respective capabilities of the one or more interchangeablemodules, or both.

In general, embodiments such as those described herein may be used inhorticulture or in other applications, for example to facilitate controlof light emitted from a module system and therefore to facilitate plantgrowth or to facilitate control of plant growth. Embodiments such asthose described herein may facilitate relatively easy and cost-effectiveadditions and upgrades, for example to facilitate increased features andfunctionality. The modularity of embodiments such as those describedherein may facilitate selecting and changing lighting, sensing, control,or a combination of two or more thereof, for example by added, removing,re-arranging, interchanging, upgrading, downgrading, or otherwisechanging interchangeable modules such as those described herein. Suchreconfiguration may facilitate changing different functions, features,specifications, or a combination of two or more thereof, which mayfacilitate plant growth for different phases of a growth cycle (such asa vegetative phase or a flowering phase), for changing crop type, forchanging yield, quality, chemical content, harvest cycle time, energyuse or efficiency, or a combination of two or more thereof, or forupgrading overall system performance, for example.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, suchembodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limitingthe invention as construed according to the accompanying claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of estimating a respectivelocation of at least one of a plurality of interchangeable modulesreleasably connected to respective different connection regions of atleast one support body, the method comprising: causing a first one ofthe plurality of interchangeable modules to transmit at least oneoptical signal; causing a second one of the plurality of interchangeablemodules, spaced apart from the first one of the plurality ofinterchangeable modules, to measure the at least one optical signal; andcausing at least one processor to estimate a respective location of oneor both of the first and second ones of the plurality of interchangeablemodules at least in response to the at least one optical signal and inresponse to measurement of the at least one optical signal at the secondone of the plurality of interchangeable modules.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein the first and second ones of the plurality of interchangeablemodules are releasably connected to a same support body.
 3. The methodof claim 1 wherein the first and second ones of the plurality ofinterchangeable modules are releasably connected to separate supportbodies spaced apart from each other.
 4. A system comprising: at leastone support body comprising a respective plurality of connectionregions; a first interchangeable module configured to be connectedreleasably to at least one of the plurality of connection regions; asecond interchangeable module configured to be connected releasably toat least one of the plurality of connection regions; and at least oneprocessor configured to, at least: cause the first interchangeablemodule to transmit at least one optical signal when the firstinterchangeable module is connected releasably to a first one of theconnection regions; cause the second interchangeable module to measurethe at least one optical signal when the second interchangeable moduleis connected releasably to a second one of the connection regions spacedapart from the first one of the connection regions; and estimate arespective location of one or both of the first and secondinterchangeable modules at least in response to the at least one opticalsignal and in response to measurement of the at least one optical signalat the second interchangeable module.